Steve Clarke has reiterated that Shane Long will not be sold this January, following speculation linking the Albion striker with Liverpool.

Reports at the weekend claimed Brendan Rodgers would be seeking to sign the Republic of Ireland man during the January transfer window.

Stories have emerged on the basis that Liverpool are short of firepower and because Rodgers knows the in-form Long from his brief spell as Reading boss.

However, I understand Rodgers has no intention whatsoever of pursuing Long despite their previous connections.

And there is certainly no inclination on Albion’s part to cash in on the 25-year-old any time soon.

Clarke is already getting fed up of the speculation - which seems to have stemmed from 'rumour' websites looking to generate hits.

“It’s just lazy journalism,” said the Baggies boss.

“Liverpool need a striker, Shane is playing well so a lazy journalist puts it together and makes a story out of it.

“Shane is not for sale. And I’d be very surprised if Brendan Rodgers wanted to take Shane anyway.

“People are merely looking at connections and making stories out of it.”

Meanwhile, Ben Foster is making progress following his recent groin operation.

Albion also hope to have Billy Jones back in training after he was forced to miss Saturday’s game against Stoke due to a stomach bug, although Steven Reid was always primed to play against the Potters.

Clarke revealed that Jones had not been the only player to suffer in recent days.